It seems that Jerrine had the same plans, and we found
her and the children on our way back.

Hailey wrapped up against the cold

Mathias suitable clad too.

I wondered over to look at the old Russian Cabins down
near the foreshore

Wonderful dove tailing on the old cabin was characteristic
of the Russian building style.

Contrast that with the more butt-ended system with the
modern log cabin.

What we forget is that Alaska was once part of Russia,
and many of the towns, villages and hunting lodges like this were built
by them.

In 1867, when they could no longer support the declining
fishing and trapping industry, the Russian State sold Alaska to the Americans
for 7.2 million dollars or about 2 cents per acre. Russia and Great Britain
were not speaking at that time due to a disagreement in Europe, so consequentially
Alaska became an annexed part of the USA rather than being joined to it's
natural geographic partner, Canada . . . So now you know !

A short while later I ventured out again to watch the
sun go down.

Broad sunset skies behind the "Russian Cabin".

The last of the sun behind the distant tree.

And a closer shot as the sun finally disappeared.

With the dusk, the temperature dropped like a stone, and
it was time to get indoors.

The Lodge was as well equipped as Jerry's house back in
St Michael, and was just as warm too.

In the picture are Manny, Jerrine, Louie and Roger.

The kitchen, weather station and VHF radio.

Time to relax during the long evening.

After dinner, someone found a pack of cards and some plastic
counters. The lads played a friendly game of Poker (Tony won, I came second)

but Jerry volunteered to do the washing up. That way he
looked good and was able to control the choice of music CD's !

Festivities over, it was time for bed . . .

Next morning it was up for an early morning dip in the river
. . .

Not at that temperature, and that's reading fahrenheit remember
!

( conversion Wind Chill -9 equals - 22 degrees C)

- - - o o o - - -

By the time breakfast was over the sun had come up, the wind
had dropped but it was a cold start as we harnessed up the dogs
and headed away from the Lodge on our return trip to St Michael.

- - - o o o - - -

Chance for a photo during a brief pause along the trail.

Pulling well on the frozen snow

. . . the return trip seemed a little easier.

Past the Birch and the rock outcrop as we re-climbed Toik
Hill

Manny's dogs pulling well.

Full of energy for the final drop down to Klikitarik Camp.

After what seemed a shorter ride than on the outward trip,

we reached the camp and snacked the dogs

offloaded the sleds

and went inside.

Easier - we must be getting more expert !

In the evening another fine meal from Jerrine, then a
coffee and a chat in the mess tent with the family

Jerrine had made her kids a camera out of sticky tape
and a box

Proud as punch

. . . and I've got one too !

The following morning it was back on the trail, passing
the poles we had seen on our outward journey.

Past "Suicide Hill" where Louie (and I ) had
taken a tumble on the way out

. . . and after a hair raising descent to the final shoreline
at Healy, it was back onto the sea ice for the last four miles of our
journey.

Louie leads Ann, myself and Manny home.

Nearly there now

It was with great delight, but heavy hearts that we faced
the last short incline back into St Michael and the end of our trek.

With the dogs fed and safely back in the compound, we
cleared the sleds and returned to our cabin.

Ann was looking happy I think.

Our final evening was spent in Jerry and Clara's house,
talking, eating and enjoying a few last hours together.

Jerry and Clara declared undying love and circumstances
permitting, promised to take her to Sydney Australia for their next big
wedding anniversary.

Not bad since he didn't even realise she wanted to go
there !

In the morning we woke to a slight covering of fresh snow.

Jerry's boat he uses for the summer fishing trips looked
forlorn in the grey morning light.